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Cycling is a growing sport in Israel; to boost its popularity with tourists, the Israeli government has invested millions of dollars into the country's cycling infrastructure. Larger cities offer the most comfortable, familiar cycling experience for Western tourists; biking in more rural areas offers the opportunity to see the culture from a new perspective but is not for the faint of heart. Planning ahead for your trip and understanding the rules of the road will make your Israel biking experience safer and more comfortable.

Step 1

Plan your itinerary before you arrive in Israel. As a reference, use routes on websites such as MapMyRide and Cyclenix. Popular cycling routes in the country include the coast of the Sea of Galilee (also called Lake Kinneret), Jerusalem, Negev Desert, Haifa, Nazareth, the foothills of the Judean Mountains and the well-developed bike paths in Tel Aviv. Leave at least a day or two of flex time before and after the trip to account for weather, road construction, military action and equipment problems, which can all happen with no warning in Israel.

Step 2

Prepare for safety. Cycling is a growing sport in Israel, but is still relatively new in some parts of the country. Pack full safety gear, including helmets, pads and sun-resistant clothing. Stick to bike paths wherever possible. In Tel Aviv, bikers are forbidden to ride in traffic and must stick to sidewalks and marked bike lanes. On the open road or in rural areas, do not expect drivers to share the road; some cyclists in Israel report aggressive driver behavior. When in doubt about the rules in other parts of the country, ride on the sidewalks and follow the lead of local bicyclists.

Step 3

Bring your own equipment, or rent it in a larger city such as Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. Because carrying your bike on planes and trains can be a hassle, renting is a better option for casual bikers or travelers going on to other places. Check out Moti Bikes in Jerusalem or O-Fun in Tel Aviv.

Step 4

Book a spot on a cycling tour if you prefer to let others handle logistics. Most tours include a guide, bikes, safety gear, tours of attractions, food, and accommodations on longer trips. Choose a company that has a high safety rating and book at least three months in advance to secure a spot; EcoBike and Jerusalem Bike are rated highly by travelers. If you are booking while you are in Israel, visit several tour companies before making a choice.

Warning

When visiting abroad, check with the U.S. State Department for travel warnings and advisories.

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About the Author

Elizabeth Smith has been a scientific and engineering writer since 2004. Her work has appeared in numerous journals, newspapers and corporate publications. A frequent traveler, she also has penned articles as a travel writer. Smith has a Bachelor of Arts in communications and writing from Michigan State University.

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